Responsible Rugs

We chat with the team from retailer Ruby Slipper about nurturing the communities that produce their beautiful products.

Tell us about Ruby Slipper rugs.

Founded back in 2008, when finding unique high-quality rugs in Singapore was difficult, we now supply over 100 colours and designs of beautiful handmade rugs, which can be custom-made to fit our clients’ style and size requirements. Our pieces are stylish, bespoke and practical. They can be used on both sides before they need to be washed, our cotton rugs can be hand-washed and our jute rugs can be spot-cleaned. Our stock rugs can be bought online in Singapore, with delivery within a few days.

How important is sustainability to the company?

Very! Our supplier works directly with farmers at the very bottom of the supply chain, so sales from our rugs directly improve the livelihood of the artisan as well as the farmer producing the raw materials. We use cotton and jute, which are plantbased materials, sustainable and eco-friendly. Jute is actually grown very similarly to cotton, except it uses much less water and requires no chemical pesticides or fertilisers. It’s also quick and easy to grow.

How do you work towards supporting local artisans?

Our manufacturer is located in a rural part of India and our partnership with them is a long-established one. As the years have gone by, and Ruby Slipper has grown, so in turn has our manufacturing partner in India, bringing more income to the region.

Our pieces are caringly hand-made by these local craftsmen and women, woven using traditional methods used to make dhurries in India for many years. With this trade being one of the few sources of income in these areas, protecting it is vital, as is helping the artisans to grow and develop their skills.

9171 1251 | rubyslipper.com.sg